Deadline for Submissions: June 15, 2015. This is NOT a postmark deadline. No exceptions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, artists must:

Live in the United States of America (preference will be given to professional artists living in one of the following Central Indiana counties: Madison, Marion, Morgan, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson or Shelby)

Be age 18 or over

Be proficient in painting

Be willing to meet all contractual obligations and adhere to a strict budget and timeline

Program Specifics

The Peace Learning Center of Indianapolis (PLC) educates, inspires and empowers people to live peacefully. We work directly with schools, community nonprofits, businesses, juvenile correctional facilities, and faith groups to facilitate peace education sessions. Each of our sessions is designed to teach safe and simple ways to manage anger, solve problems, and develop appreciation for differing perspectives. Our vision is to build a community of peace where respect is primary and justice is real.

The Koinonia Project is an effort to find common unity and sharing in service by beautifying and revitalizing the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. This project is organized as a service learning opportunity for PLC’s Peace Crew students and others in the community. The project began with cleanup days on March 24-26, 2015 and continues through the enhancement of traffic signal control boxes (TSBs) in the area bounded by 38th St., Mitthoeffer Rd., 42nd St. and Franklin Rd. Eventually six TSBs in the neighborhood will be turned into artworks.

The two traffic signal boxes in this current project are located at the corner of 38th St. and Post Rd. and at the corner of 42nd St. and Post Rd. Painting will take place this summer at 42nd/Post; due to ongoing streetscape improvements, the box at 38th/Post will be painted in Spring 2016. The purpose of Indianapolis’ traffic signal box art program is to enable neighborhoods to express their identity, beautify their streets, and discourage “tagging” vandalism of the TSBs. Other purposes are to provide employment opportunities for artists and allow artists the opportunity for personal expression.

The process is neighborhood-driven, with the Arts Council of Indianapolis assisting neighborhoods or other citizen groups to ensure aesthetic quality and work with the City to permit the use of the TSBs. Neighborhoods are responsible for maintaining the completed boxes.